How Chabala Luswili, a Zambian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Social Protection at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Germany Through the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship

My name is Chabala Luswili, and I am from Zambia. I grew up in a Christian home where values such as hard work, perseverance, faith, discipline, and resilience were instilled in me from an early age. These values have continued to shape my personal, professional, and academic journey, particularly my commitment to continuous learning and to making a meaningful contribution to society.

My professional background is primarily in economics, rural finance, financial inclusion, social protection, and public-sector policy. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience working on policy and development programmes, particularly those focused on financial inclusion, rural development, social protection, and improving the economic well-being and resilience of vulnerable communities.

My academic journey has been equally rooted in economics. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Economics, building on my previous academic training and professional experience in economic policy and development. However, through my work, I increasingly recognised that addressing issues of poverty, vulnerability, inequality, and economic resilience requires not only an understanding of economic systems, but also specialised knowledge of how social protection systems are designed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated.

This motivated me to pursue a second Master’s degree, specifically in Social Protection, alongside my ongoing PhD in Economics. I deliberately chose to complement my doctoral studies in economics with specialised training in social protection because I see the two fields as highly interconnected. Economics provides me with the analytical foundation to understand economic policies, incentives, and development outcomes, while social protection enables me to better understand the policies and systems needed to protect vulnerable populations and promote inclusive and sustainable development.

For me, pursuing a second Master’s degree is therefore not simply about obtaining another academic qualification. It is a deliberate effort to broaden my expertise, bridge the gap between economic analysis and social policy, and strengthen my ability to contribute to evidence-based social protection policy and programme development. I hope to use the knowledge and skills gained through both my PhD in Economics and Master’s degree in Social Protection to contribute more meaningfully to the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective and inclusive social protection systems in Zambia and beyond.

DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship Details

I was honoured to be awarded the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in Social Protection at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences in Germany. I was selected as one of only eight scholars worldwide to receive the scholarship for my programme, making this a particularly significant achievement in my academic and professional journey. The scholarship is fully funded and covers the full cost of the Master’s programme, providing comprehensive financial support throughout my studies.

My decision to pursue specialised studies in Social Protection reflects the evolution of my professional interests and experience. Having worked extensively in economics, rural finance, financial inclusion, social protection, and public-sector policy, I recognised the importance of developing deeper expertise in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of social protection systems.

Beyond the financial support, the scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to study in an international and academically diverse environment. It has allowed me to engage with different perspectives on social protection and to learn from Germany’s extensive experience in developing and implementing social protection policies and systems. This international exposure is particularly valuable because it enables me to critically examine different approaches and consider how relevant lessons can be adapted to the Zambian context.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

No, the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship was the scholarship I received for my master’s studies in Germany.

Educational Background

My academic background is primarily in economics and economic policy, which has provided me with a strong foundation in economic analysis, policy research, quantitative methods, and evidence-based decision-making. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Copperbelt University, where I graduated with a cumulative GPA of 8.4/10. I subsequently pursued a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management at the University of Zambia, graduating with a cumulative GPA of 9.3/10.

I am also currently pursuing a PhD in Economics, with my doctoral research focusing on stagflation and economic growth in Zambia. My PhD has further strengthened my ability to undertake advanced economic research, analyse complex policy issues, and apply rigorous analytical methods to real-world development challenges.

While my academic training has been firmly grounded in economics, my professional experience gradually broadened my perspective beyond macroeconomic indicators and economic growth to the human and social dimensions of development. Through my work in rural finance, financial inclusion, social protection, and public-sector policy, I gained greater exposure to the challenges faced by vulnerable households and communities and to the ways in which economic shocks can affect livelihoods and well-being.

This experience led me to recognise that economic growth alone is not sufficient to address poverty and vulnerability. Effective development also requires well-designed social protection systems that can protect individuals and households from economic shocks, reduce vulnerability, promote resilience, and support inclusive development.

My educational background in economics therefore provided the analytical foundation, while my professional experience provided the practical context and motivation to specialise further in Social Protection. Pursuing this field has allowed me to complement my economic expertise with a deeper understanding of social policy, strengthening my ability to analyse and contribute to integrated approaches to economic and social development.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences?

I approached the application process very deliberately and began preparing several months before the deadline. I wanted to understand the programme thoroughly, assess how it aligned with my academic and professional background, and ensure that my application presented a clear and coherent career trajectory.

I researched the programme extensively and carefully reviewed the scholarship requirements, selection criteria, and programme objectives. I then reflected on my professional experience in rural finance, financial inclusion, and social protection and identified the specific knowledge and skills I hoped to gain through further study. This helped me establish a clear connection between my previous experience, my motivation for pursuing Social Protection, and my long-term professional goals.

I paid particular attention to my motivation letter, ensuring that it was tailored specifically to the programme rather than being a generic application. I focused on the challenges I had encountered through my professional work, the gaps in my existing knowledge, and how specialised training in Social Protection would strengthen my ability to contribute to policy and programme development in Zambia.

I also sought feedback from people I trusted, particularly on my application documents and overall presentation. Their feedback helped me improve the clarity, structure, and coherence of my application and ensured that my academic background, professional experience, motivation, and future aspirations were communicated effectively.

Overall, I treated the application not simply as a process of submitting documents, but as an opportunity to clearly demonstrate why I was a strong fit for the programme, what I hoped to learn, and how I intended to use that knowledge in the future.

How Did You Find Information About DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences?

I first learned about the DAAD scholarship through the DAAD website, and I was also informed about the opportunity by a friend. This initial information prompted me to explore the opportunity further and assess whether it aligned with my academic background and professional goals.

Once I became aware of the scholarship, I did not apply immediately. I took time to research the scholarship, participating institutions, available programmes, and application requirements. I wanted to understand not only whether I was eligible, but also whether the programme was relevant to my professional experience and the direction I wanted to take in my career.

Through this research, I became particularly interested in the Social Protection programme because of its strong connection to my experience in economics, rural finance, financial inclusion, and social protection. I could see how the programme would complement my existing knowledge while providing the specialised expertise I needed to advance my work in this area.

I believe this research was an important part of my application process because a successful scholarship application is not simply about meeting eligibility requirements. It is about demonstrating a clear and credible connection between your academic and professional background, the programme you are applying for, and the contribution you intend to make after completing your studies.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes. I took the IELTS examination as required for studying abroad.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship?

I started preparing for the scholarship application several months in advance. One of the most important things I did was to avoid treating the application simply as a form to complete. Instead, I approached it as an opportunity to clearly communicate my academic journey, professional experience, motivation, and future aspirations.

I took time to reflect on my academic background in economics, my professional experience in social protection, rural finance, financial inclusion, and development, and the direction I wanted my career to take. I then considered how these experiences connected with the objectives of the scholarship and the Social Protection programme.

I researched the programme and scholarship requirements extensively, carefully reviewed the selection criteria, and tailored my motivation letter to reflect my own experiences and goals. I also sought feedback from people I trusted to review my application documents. This helped me improve the clarity and structure of my application and ensure that my experiences and motivation were communicated effectively.

Since this was my first time applying for the scholarship, I approached the process with a learning mindset. I did not assume that having strong academic qualifications would automatically lead to success. I understood that I also needed to demonstrate clearly who I was, what I had accomplished, why this particular opportunity was important for my development, and how I intended to use the knowledge and experience gained to contribute to my country and beyond.

Ultimately, I focused on presenting an authentic and coherent story that connected my past experiences, my motivation for studying Social Protection, and my long-term aspirations.

How is Your Experience at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences?

My experience at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences has been both exciting and deeply enriching. It has provided me with an opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally, while gaining a broader understanding of social protection from an international perspective.

One of the aspects I appreciate most is the diversity of the learning environment. As an international student, I have had the opportunity to interact with people from different countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds. Engaging with classmates who bring different experiences and perspectives has broadened my understanding of social protection and challenged me to think beyond the Zambian context. It has also taught me the value of learning from different approaches to addressing social and development challenges.

The programme has also been academically demanding and intellectually stimulating. Studying for a Master’s degree in Social Protection while simultaneously pursuing my PhD in Economics has required considerable discipline, effective time management, and perseverance. Balancing the two programmes has not always been easy, and there have been demanding periods when managing the workload required me to push beyond my comfort zone. However, these experiences have strengthened my resilience, self-discipline, and ability to manage competing priorities.

Beyond the classroom, the experience has encouraged me to reflect more critically on the relationship between economic policy and social protection. It has allowed me to connect the theoretical and practical knowledge I am gaining with the challenges I have encountered in my professional work and with the realities of the Zambian context.

Overall, my experience has reinforced my belief that meaningful growth often comes from placing yourself in environments that challenge your assumptions, expand your perspective, and push you beyond your comfort zone. This experience has not only strengthened my academic knowledge but has also shaped the way I think about my future contribution to social protection and development.

How Do You Rate Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Academically?

I would rate the institution very highly academically, particularly because of the practical, interdisciplinary, and international orientation of the Social Protection programme.

One of its greatest strengths, in my view, is the way the programme connects academic theory with real-world social protection challenges. The learning goes beyond understanding concepts in isolation and encourages students to critically examine how social protection policies and systems are designed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated in different contexts.

I have also greatly valued the international and diverse learning environment. Engaging with students and academics from different countries and professional backgrounds has exposed me to a wide range of experiences and approaches to social protection. This has broadened my perspective and encouraged me to think more critically about how different policy solutions can be adapted to specific country contexts.

Academically, the programme has also complemented my previous training in economics and economic policy by allowing me to develop specialised knowledge in social protection. This combination is particularly valuable to me because I want to contribute to policies that are not only economically sound and evidence-based, but also socially responsive and inclusive.

Overall, I would rate the institution highly because it has provided me with a strong combination of academic knowledge, practical application, international exposure, and interdisciplinary learning, all of which are directly relevant to my professional and academic goals.

How Does Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Support International Students?

As an international student, I have found the institution to be supportive, welcoming, and inclusive. From my experience, there is a strong sense of openness towards students from different countries and cultural backgrounds, which makes it easier to adjust to a new academic and social environment.

The diversity of the student body has been particularly valuable. Being surrounded by students from different parts of the world creates opportunities to connect with people who are also experiencing the transition of studying in a foreign country. This has helped me feel part of a broader international community while also allowing me to learn from the experiences of others.

I have also found the international nature of the programme to be an important source of support. The learning extends beyond lecturers and academic materials; classmates bring perspectives and experiences from their respective countries, allowing us to learn from one another and understand how social protection challenges and policy responses differ across contexts.

Overall, I have found the environment conducive to both academic learning and personal development, and the international community has made my experience as an international student more enriching and rewarding.

Is the Institution That You Are Studying at Free for the Master of Science in Social Protection? If You Had to Pay Semester Fees, How Much Was It?

The programme itself is tuition-free and highly competitive to gain admission to, but students are required to pay a semester fee. In my case, I used part of the DAAD scholarship stipend to cover the required semester fee.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

My programme is conducted entirely in English, so I did not need German language proficiency to participate in the academic programme. However, as part of my scholarship, we were required to arrive in Germany approximately three months before the start of the Master’s programme to undertake intensive German language lessons.

In addition, the university offers German language courses for international students, which I took advantage of during my studies. Although German was not required for my academic programme, learning the language has been valuable in helping me navigate everyday life, interact more comfortably with people in the community, and better understand the local culture.

What Did You Pursue After the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship?

The scholarship opened up significant professional opportunities for me. It gave me the opportunity to gain international professional experience in Germany, work in diverse and multidisciplinary environments, and apply my knowledge in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, policy research, data analysis, development programmes, and results-based reporting.

It has also allowed me to build an international professional network, broaden my perspective, and gain practical experience that complements my previous work in Zambia. Overall, the scholarship has expanded my professional horizons and positioned me to make a stronger contribution to social protection and development policy in Zambia and beyond.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

I came to Germany without prior knowledge of German, but this did not present a major academic challenge because my Master’s programme is taught entirely in English.

As part of the scholarship, we were required to arrive in Germany approximately three months before the start of the Master’s programme to undertake intensive German language lessons. In addition, the university offers German language courses for international students, which I took advantage of during my studies.

While German is not required for the academic programme, learning the language has been very helpful for everyday communication, adapting to life in Germany, and engaging more easily with the local community. I would therefore encourage prospective students to take advantage of any language-learning opportunities available to them.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application was strengthened by the combination of my academic background, professional experience, and genuine interest in development. I had strong academic results; however, I believe that academic performance was only one part of my application.

My professional experience in rural finance, financial inclusion, social protection, and public-sector policy gave me practical exposure to many of the issues that social protection systems seek to address. This experience also helped me develop a genuine interest in the field and understand the areas where I wanted to strengthen my knowledge.

I also tried to clearly demonstrate that pursuing a second Master’s degree, this time in Social Protection, was a natural progression of my academic and professional journey rather than a change of direction. I had already been working in related areas and wanted to gain more specialised knowledge that would complement my existing experience and enable me to contribute more effectively.

Most importantly, I focused on being myself and allowing my application to reflect who I am, my experiences, my values, and my aspirations. Rather than trying to present what I thought the selection committee wanted to hear, I tried to be honest and authentic about my journey, why the programme was important to me, and what I hoped to achieve from it. I believe this authenticity helped make my application personal, genuine, and reflective of who I am.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would start learning German much earlier, ideally before arriving in Germany. Although the programme is taught in English and German was not required academically, having some knowledge of the language from the beginning would have made everyday communication and adjusting to a new environment easier.

I would also approach the scholarship application in much the same way. I would still recommend starting early, researching the opportunity thoroughly, seeking feedback, and taking time to present your story authentically. For me, one of the most important lessons was that a strong application is not only about qualifications, but also about clearly communicating who you are, why you are applying, and what you hope to achieve.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest advice to anyone considering a similar scholarship is to be determined and, most importantly, be yourself.

Do not try to create the story you think the selection committee wants to hear. Tell your own story and explain honestly why the scholarship and programme are important to you. Your experiences, motivations, and aspirations are unique, so allow those to come through in your application.

I would also encourage applicants to start early and research thoroughly. Take time to understand the scholarship, the programme, the requirements, and the selection criteria. Most importantly, think about how your academic background, professional experience, and future goals connect with the opportunity.

Do not underestimate the importance of your motivation letter. Your academic qualifications demonstrate that you are capable of studying, but your motivation letter gives you the opportunity to explain who you are, why you want to pursue the programme, what motivates you, and how you intend to use the knowledge and experience afterwards.

Finally, do not give up simply because the process is competitive. There will always be many qualified applicants, but you should not disqualify yourself before the selection committee has had the opportunity to consider your application. Apply, be authentic, and give yourself a chance.

Your journey is unique. Tell it with confidence, honesty, and purpose.